The term "turnedst" is an archaic form of the verb "turn," found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of turning or changing direction, often in a spiritual or moral sense. In the context of Scripture, "turnedst" can refer to a physical turning, a change of heart, or a shift in allegiance or behavior.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Repentance and Turning to God: The concept of turning is frequently associated with repentance and returning to God. In the Old Testament, the prophets often called the people of Israel to "turn" from their wicked ways and return to the Lord. This turning is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual transformation. For example, in the book of Joel, the prophet urges, "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate" (Joel 2:13).

2. Divine Intervention: The term is also used to describe God's intervention in the lives of individuals or nations. When God "turns" His face toward or away from someone, it signifies His favor or disfavor. In the Psalms, David frequently pleads with God to turn His face toward him, seeking divine favor and assistance. Psalm 80:19 states, "Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved."

3. Moral and Spiritual Change: The act of turning can also signify a moral or spiritual change in individuals. In the New Testament, the call to turn from sin and embrace the Gospel is central to the message of Jesus and the apostles. Acts 3:19 exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."

4. Judgment and Consequences: Turning can also be associated with judgment. When people or nations turn away from God, they often face consequences. The Bible records numerous instances where Israel turned away from God, resulting in exile or oppression. Conversely, when they turned back to God, He delivered them. This theme is evident in the cyclical pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance found in the book of Judges.

5. Symbolic and Prophetic Turning: In prophetic literature, turning can symbolize a future change or transformation. The prophets often spoke of a time when the hearts of the people would be turned back to God, anticipating the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. Malachi 4:6 prophesies, "He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers."

Theological Implications

The concept of turning is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting the dynamic relationship between God and humanity. It underscores the importance of repentance, the possibility of redemption, and the hope of restoration. The call to turn is both an invitation and a command, urging believers to align their lives with God's will and purpose. Through turning, individuals and communities can experience the transformative power of God's grace and mercy.

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 53, "Except Ye Eat the Flesh ...
... "O Lord, in Thy favour Thou gavest strength to my beauty." But "Thou turnedst away
Thy Face from me, and I was troubled." [3921] "Thou hast shown me," saith he ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxxi on the words.htm

Psalm XXX.
... this my abundance, O Lord, is not of myself, but that in Thy will Thou hast afforded
strength unto my beauty, I have learnt from this, "Thou turnedst away Thy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxx.htm

Even the Sins of the Elect are Turned by God to their Advantage.
... in God's desertion for a little while what he himself was: "Lord," said he, "in
Thy favour Thou gavest strength to my honour; Thou turnedst away Thy face from ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 24 even the sins of.htm

Psalm CXLIII.
... within me, because Thou didst turn away Thy Face, then became I "like a land without
water to Thee: turn not Thou away Thy Face." Thou turnedst it away from me ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliii.htm

The Christian Race.
... ever. Prithee, soul, search when it was thou turnedst out of thy sins
and righteousness into the righteousness of Jesus Christ. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiii the christian race.htm

Turnedst (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Turnedst (1 Occurrence). Psalms 114:5 What ailed thee,
thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou turnedst back? ...
/t/turnedst.htm - 6k

Turnest (12 Occurrences)

/t/turnest.htm - 10k

Turned (3362 Occurrences)

/t/turned.htm - 6k

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